TOPSoccer

US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities, organized by youth soccer association volunteers. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any boy or girl, who has a mental or physical disability. Our goal is to enable the thousands of young athletes with disabilities to become valued and successful members of the US Youth Soccer family.

How do I participate?

Contact your local US Youth Soccer State Association office to find out more about getting involved with a local US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer program. You can find State Association by clicking here. Or contact US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Region III Committee member: David Buckler via email.

Why do we need a TOPSoccer Program?

TOPSoccer was formed to perpetuate the US Youth Soccer mission statement which is, in part, "to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of America's youth through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition." There are thousands of children with disabilities who need, and can be provided with, the opportunity to play soccer through the TOPSoccer program.

Getting Started

Identify the need in your area.

For what type of disabilities do you need to plan?

Are you able to fulfill these needs?

Check for any restrictions placed on the facility (ies) you plan to use.

Are they equipped to handle athletes with physical disabilities?

Check with your soccer insurance carrier.

Contact established programs for information.

US Youth Soccer

Special Olympics

United Cerebral Palsy

Shriners

Contact your local school districts and universities.

Create a list of people who are able to assist you.

Plan your advertisements.

Get the support of your State Association and Regional -TOPSoccer Representative, and use them as resources.

Creating Your Program

The unique thing about TOPSoccer is that each program is different and is created around the needs of the participants. Additionally, TOPSoccer athletes are placed on teams according to ability, not age.

Length of program is determined by organizer (6-8 weeks)

Playing rules.

Create rules to fit specific needs.

Use the US Youth Soccer Under-6, Under-8 or Under-10 guidelines

TOPSoccer programs can have very modest beginnings.

For those athletes not able to participate due to medical reasons, design a skills program that is rewarding, challenging and fun.

Registration procedures should be the same as those used for regular league teams.

Registration form should include a section for medical history.

Athletes with Down-syndrome should be required to have a current x-ray. If the x-ray is positive for their safety, it should be strongly recommended that they do not take part in team play.

In some cases medical waivers may be required.

Placement is made by ability not age.

Assessment test should be made available upon request.

Ensure that the experience is meaningful for the participating athletes, and one in which they feel they have made a contribution.

Recruiting Coaches

Contact local universities, schools and soccer clubs for volunteers. The State Coach or Director of Coaching for the state association is also a good source for coaches. No special training is required, however it is available:

through US Youth Soccer and state association sponsored coaching courses.